Takeyuki Kanda

Kanda Takeyuki (August 11, 1943 - July 27, 1996) was born in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He was an animator and director.

Kanda joined Mushi Pro at the beginning of his career in 1965 but is most known for his involvement with mecha animation studio Sunrise, where he did most of his work. He is noted for the original story and direction of the hit anime Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam about a group of children who are stranded in space, loosely based on Jules Verne's Two Years' Vacation novel. The franchise spawned a 46 episodes TV series, four additional OVA series and a remake produced in 1998.

On July 27 1996, Kanda Takeyuki died suddenly at the age of 52 in a car accident. During that time he was the director of the Gundam 08th MS Team OVA series, which was delayed for almost three years before Iida Umanosuke took over for the rest of the series and completed it in Kanda's stead. Iida also directed the movie "Miller's Report". Nevertheless, he considers this production as Kanda's work.

In 1998 a remake of Vifam was broadcasted in memory of Kanda.

(Source: AniDB)